Altidore scores for Villareal, hopes its his ticket to stay.

By Robert Wagman (in Washington, D.C.)SoccerTimes

(Tuesday, August 10, 2010) -- United States striker Jozy Altidore scored one of the more important goals of his career Sunday.

Having returned to Villarreal of Spain after his less-than-successful loan to the English Premier League's Hull City last season, Altidore is facing another year-long loan situation with his destination unknown. Meanwhile, Altidore's coach Juan Carlos Garrido says he would like to work with Altidore, but says Villarreal's somewhat precarious financial situation might make it mandatory that it offload Altidore's salary through another loan arrangement.

On Sunday, Altidore gave Garrido reason to keep him with the Spanish side, scoring a late goal against Turkish club Besiktas in a 2-2 draw in a preseason exhibition. Altidore made a good run down the middle and used his first touch to net a low left-side cross to the far corner of the net.

Besiktas reportedly now says it is interested in acquiring Altidore either through transfer or a season-long loan.

In French Ligue 1, U.S. defender Carlos Bocanegra made his debut for his new team, Saint-Etienne, in a frustrating 3-1 loss to host Paris Saint-Germain.

Bocanegra went the distance at right back and played well. Saint-Etienne gave up an early goal and then just before half time saw a hard shot come off the goal-post hit goalkeeper Jérémie Janot in the back of the head and go in for an own goal and a 2-0 PSG lead.

Next weekend, Saint-Etienne faces Sochaux and its American forward Charlie Davies' at home. On Saturday, Davies did not dress in Sochaux's 2-1 home victory in its opener against Arles.

In the second-tier English League Championship, American striker Mike Grella, who reportedly is looking at a move from Leeds United in order to get more playing time, came off the bench Saturday and played the final four minutes of a 2-1 loss at Derby County.

American defender Zak Whitbread, recovering from a calf injury, did not dress for Norwich City's 3-2 loss to Watford Friday.

In the third-division League One, American defender Frank Simek played 90 minutes in Carlisle United's 2-0 win Saturday over Brentford.

American defender Anton Peterlin went 90 minutes in his European club debut, helping Plymouth Argyle's defeat Southampton 1-0 Saturday.

In Belgium, U.S. midfielder Sacha Kljestan started and played 57 minutes in Anderlecht's 0-0 draw Saturday with Royal Charleroi.

In Norway, American defenders Clarence Goodson and Hunter Freeman served one-match yellow-cards suspensions for IK Start, which was routed suffered an 8-1 rout to Vålerenga. Both returned for a 3-1 striumph Sunday over SK Brann 3-1 with Freeman picking up another yellow card.

American midfielder Mikkel Diskerud went 90 minutes for Stabæk in a 2-1 loss Sunday to Strømsgodset .

American goalkeeper Steve Clark dressed, but did not play in Hønefoss BK's 3-3 draw with Kongsvinger Sunday.

In Sweden, U.S. midfielder Alejandro Bedoya went the distance for Örebro SK in a 3-0 home loss Saturday to Malmö FF, a team it had not beaten in seven seasons.

American defender Ryan Miller went 90 minutes for Halmstads BK's, which dropped a 3-1 decision to Elfsborg Sunday.

In Denmark, U.S. defender Michael Parkhurst played 90 minutes for FC Nordsjaelland in its 3-1 loss to Brondby Sunday.
American attackers Marcus Tracy and Chris Rolfe dressed for Aalborg BK, but did not play in a 0-0 draw Saturday with Silkeborg IF. Rolfe is recovering from a hamstring injury.

U.S. midfielder Benny Feilhaber was not on the roster for relegated Aarhus in its 0-0 draw with Vejle. He is trying to transfer to a new team. He has and has drawn interest from Glasgow Rangers.